The Ranch at Rock Creek: Philipsburg, Montana

We had never traveled out West until we spent a couple of weeks exploring the astonishingly beautiful state of Arizona recently. This part of the country could not possibly be more different from our home state of Kentucky but we loved everything about it and determined that we must visit the other Western states, in particular the big sky country of Montana.

Combine our love of the outdoors and an appreciation for sublime luxury accommodations and we can’t imagine staying anywhere else when we plan that Montana trip but the Ranch at Rock Creek, which received the Forbes 5-star Travel Guide Award. Kate Bosworth even had her wedding here! We have stayed in numerous luxury resorts but few have been all-inclusive and few have had the amazing landscapes offered at this all-inclusive luxury ranch resort in Philipsburg, Montana. Covering more than 6,600 acres of rolling ranch land, high ridges, and pristine alpine lakes, the ranch is located at the base of the John Long Mountains and includes four miles along lovely Rock Creek. The ranch also borders the Deer Lodge National Forest which provides some of the most amazing views.

All rates at the ranch include a full breakfast, lunch and dinner along with all wines and drinks from the ranch wine list during meals or in the Silver Dollar Saloon. These are not your average meals as Executive Chef Josh Drage creates world-class but regionally inspired cuisine which features Montana-raised beef, lamb, chicken, and dairy products as well as locally sourced produce.

Although I love the outdoors and hiking is one of my favorite activities, I am just going to admit that I am not a fan of camping. My idea of roughing it is a hotel without room service, but I am intrigued by the whole idea of

What a fabulous place to stay!

“glamping” – basically, glamour camping. I am all about the glamour so the idea of staying in one of the luxury canvas cabins at the Ranch at Rock Creek sounds amazing. They were one of the first locations to come up with the “glamping” idea and each of the canvas cabins has a private bath, comfortable bed with luxurious bedding, a gas fireplace, screened-in porch and a deck facing Rock Creek. This is my idea of roughing it!

If you want even more luxurious accommodations, you can choose one of the beautiful log homes or even a guest room in the Granite Lodge, where the dining room, bar, spa, and an outdoor pool with a patio and jacuzzi are located.

Spending time in the fresh air is encouraged at the ranch and I was pleased to see that they provide every guest with a mountain bike upon arrival. But mountain biking is not the only option for activities at this truly unique location. Horseback riding, fly-fishing in Montana’s world famous creeks, hiking, archery, stagecoach rides, and even the Little Grizzlies Kids Club for kids ages 4 – 12 to learn all about the area.

“Glamping” – how fabulous is that?

Don’t think this is a one-season location because in the winter, there are even more activities and the ranch turns into a winter wonderland. Skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, sleigh rides – all in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

And once you have participated in some of the extensive activities offered at the ranch, it’s time for some quiet relaxation at the Granite Spa. As far as I am concerned, it’s not a true luxury destination without a complete spa and the Ranch at Rock Creek does not disappoint.

Massages, body treatments, facials, and nail care along with a cedar sauna are all available to guests of the ranch.

I can’t imagine a more perfect destination to expand our knowledge of the western part of the United States. An all-inclusive luxury ranch which offers every single activity you can possibly imagine, along with astonishingly beautiful country, fabulous food and an amazing spa?